Camila Cabello is feeling more positive these days, and she has her new album, Familia, to thank.
Speaking to Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Camila opened up about grappling with anxiety and “intrusive, obsessive thoughts” before embarking on her third studio effort. “It was a couple months where I didn’t go back in the studio. I was just doing therapy. I was literally not functioning. I felt not able to work,” she revealed.
“Part of that healing was going in the studio and being like, “I’m not going to do it if it’s not fun,” she recalled. “It has to be something that helps me in feeling better and getting better because I can’t take this as a source of anxiety or stress.”
Camila also built a support network when working on her new album and collaborated with people she could be emotionally vulnerable with and trust. “I think sometimes mental health stuff can make you isolate, and then that isolation makes your mental health a lot worse. And it’s kind of like this vicious cycle,” she remarked.
The “Havana” singer said enacting those changes “was a life-changing experience for me,” because it gave her a new music-making process she fell in love with. She added, “This album process… Re-inspired me in terms of lyrics.”
“It’s the first time I put out an album and been immediately just ready to go back in and keep writing,” Camila declared. “It just felt like fun and joyful and easy, I’m just like, I’m ready to go back in, hang out with my friends, and write about some more feelings that I’m having.”
“I’m in a much better place right now in terms of anxiety and mental health, like the best I’ve ever been,” she said.
Earlier this month, The Zombies launched a 2022 North American tour, marking the first time the British Invasion legends have been out on the road since 2019.
Zombies keyboardist and main songwriter Rod Argent tells ABC Audio that it’s been great to again be performing for their fans, adding, “[I]t was so energizing just playing with the band again.”
The two-part tour features nearly 50 total concerts, and The Zombies also have a 25-show European trek in September and October. The 76-year-old Argent admits that it’s a bit daunting thinking about doing so many gigs after a two-year-plus hiatus, noting, “I feel pretty good at the moment, but it makes you wonder with your stamina…So…I want to try and keep things in proportion and be careful, but it is great to play.”
The Zombies’ concerts feature plenty of their classic early tunes, including hits like “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season,” but they also include a few songs from a new studio album that Argent says the band expects to release sometime this year.
“I think it’s basically a very good album,” Rod offers. “I’ve written nine songs for the album. [Frontman] Colin [Blunstone wrote] one that we finish up…the album with, which is a lovely sort of breath to say goodbye to…the album…So all that’s very exciting.”
Argent says he’s “really hoping” the album will be released by the time the band kicks off its second 2022 North American leg, which begins June 21 in Belleville, Canada, and runs through July 28-30 stand in Park City, Utah.
The Zombies’ current leg continues tonight in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and runs through a May 1 show in Fall River, Massachusetts. Visit TheZombiesMusic.com for the full schedule.
Terrible people treating each other terribly is one way to describe the new Amazon Prime Video limited series A Very British Scandal, which launches on Friday. Claire Foy and Paul Bettany star in this true story of a 1960’s sex and divorce scandal that rocked Britain, with a LOT of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll’s dirty laundry spread far and wide.
So what’s it like playing character’s that were horrible? Bettany tells ABC Audio he doesn’t believe in the old actor’s adage that you can’t judge the characters you play.
“I do tend to judge my characters,” he admits. “I mean, I think that is often nonsense. You can’t play [Adolph] Hitler and not judge him.”
Foy adds, “But it is true, though, that you do get to a point where…once you understand the human being, it’s very difficult to hate them because you kind of go everybody’s got their stuff going on haven’t they? Right.”
When it came to her role as the Duchess, Foy says it also took her a while to get to that point, sharing, “She’s very privileged and entitled. So it was really difficult to be not just be really annoyed with her all the time. But I did get there.”
Even so, Foy hopes the series helps audiences understand the traumas that made the Duchess the way she was.
“She had eight miscarriages, fell down a lift shaft nearly died, almost died of septicemia, she had a speech impediment and was basically treated incredibly badly by her mother,” Foy explains. “Everybody has those sorts of things and it’s just about finding them and trying to use that so that the audience kind of comes with you on the journey of them as opposed to just hating their guts.”
Alex Chan Tsz Yuk/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
(NEW YORK) — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “special military operation” into neighboring Ukraine began on Feb. 24, with Russian forces invading from Belarus, to the north, and Russia, to the east. Ukrainian troops have offered “stiff resistance,” according to U.S. officials.
Russian forces have since retreated from northern Ukraine, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. The United States and many European countries accused Russia of committing war crimes after graphic images emerged of dead civilians in the town of Bucha, near Kyiv. The Russian military has now launched a full-scale ground offensive in eastern Ukraine’s disputed Donbas region, as it attempts to capture the strategic port city of Mariupol and secure a coastal corridor to the Moscow-annexed Crimean Peninsula.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Apr 19, 11:40 pm
Russia could be making probing attacks ahead of larger assault in Donbas: US official
As Ukrainian forces brace for a full-scale assault in the eastern part of the country, a U.S. official said the increased pace of operations from Russian forces in the past 24 hours could be probing attacks or the beginning of the main battle for the Donbas.
The defense official said the Russian offensive to seize southeastern Ukraine will likely involve a frontal assault from inside Russia and a double envelopment, or encircling, of Ukrainian forces in the Donbas. Russian forces will come south from Izyum and troops in the Berdyansk area will move north to encircle Ukrainian forces in the Joint Forces Operations area in the Donbas.
But the U.S. defense official said Ukraine has the advantage in the region since they have prepared a defense for years, including digging trenches, preparing anti-armor traps and ambush locations and more.
The U.S. and other countries have now provided close to 70,000 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine as well as 30,000 anti-aircraft missiles and 7,000 launchers to fire them, according to the defense official.
As for stopping the shipments of those weapons, the U.S. believes Russia will target the paths and roads in western Ukraine being used to ship Western military aid into Ukraine even though it has not done so yet. Still, it’s believed with the amount of weaponry being delivered to Ukrainian forces, it will be impossible to stop it all.
(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Tuesday’s sports events:
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
INTERLEAGUE
Tampa Bay 6, Chi Cubs 5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 2, Toronto 1
NY Yankees 4, Detroit 2
Kansas City 4, Minnesota 3
LA Angels 7, Houston 2
Seattle 6, Texas 2
Oakland 2, Baltimore 1
Chi White Sox at Cleveland (Postponed)
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Washington 6, Arizona 1
NY Mets 5, San Francisco 4
NY Mets 3, San Francisco 1
Washington 1, Arizona 0
St. Louis 5, Miami 1
Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 2
Colorado 6, Philadelphia 5
San Diego 6, Cincinnati 2
Atlanta 3, LA Dodgers 1
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS
Miami 115, Atlanta 105
Memphis 124, Minnesota 96
New Orleans 125, Phoenix 114
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
NY Rangers 3, Winnipeg 0
Toronto 5, Philadelphia 2
Minnesota 2, Montreal 0
Detroit 4, Tampa Bay 3
Florida 3, NY Islanders 2 (OT)
Boston 3, St. Louis 2 (OT)
Nashville 3, Calgary 2 (SO)
Los Angeles 2, Anaheim 1
Ottawa 4 Vancouver 3 (SO)
San Jose 3, Columbus 2
Des Rocs and The Blue Stones are uniting for a U.S. tour this summer.
The joint outing, dubbed the Once in a Lifetime tour, launches June 10 in Milwaukee, and wraps up July 23 in Columbus, Ohio. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 22.
Des Rocs will be touring behind his debut full-length album, 2021’s A Real Good Person in a Real Bad Place, while The Blue Stones will be supporting their 2021 sophomore effort, Hidden Gems.
The follow-up to the Judas Priest frontman’s 2020 autobiography, Confess, is titled Biblical: Rob Halford’s Heavy MetalScriptures, and will arrive November 1.
A press release describes Biblical as a “lively encyclopedia and manifesto in which Halford shares his opinions, memories, and anecdotes regarding every element of the rock and roll lifestyle: from tours to tattoos, riffs to riders, and drugs to devil horns.”
“After my penitence with Confess, it’s time for me to be Biblical and take our congregation through all the ins and out and ups and downs of what it takes to make the life of the Metal God,” Halford says. “So get comfy in your pew and prepare for the light of revelations by becoming Biblical!”
Organizers of New York City’s Tribeca Festival have announced the film event’s 2022 lineup, which includes a number of noteworthy music-related documentaries. Among the music docs that will get their world premiere at the festival are Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex, and Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song.
Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex focuses on the life and music of late glam-rock pioneer Marc Bolan and his famous band, as well as on the making of a 2020 tribute album of the same name. The album was the brainchild of lauded producer Hal Willner, who sadly died of COVID-19 at age 64 a few months before the record’s release. The movie, which mixes recent and archival footage, includes appearances by Bolan, Marc’s romantic partner and backing singer Gloria Jones, his son Rolan, Ringo Starr, Willner, Joan Jett and David Bowie.
The documentary Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song looks at the career of late Canadian poet and singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen, with a focus on his classic ballad, “Hallelujah.” The film features interviews with Cohen as well as with some of his friends, lovers and fellow musicians. A post-screening event will feature performances by Judy Collins, Cohen collaborator Sharon Robinson, and others.
Other music docs that will be screened at the Tribeca Festival include The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, which features May Pang recalling the 18-month period during the 1970s that she spent as John Lennon‘s friend, lover and confidante; and Nothing Compares, a profile of Irish singer/songwriter Sinead O’Connor and her eventful and turbulent life.
Visit TribecaFilm.com for more information about the 2022 festival’s lineup.
(LONDON) — Schoolchildren were among those killed and injured in another series of deadly blasts in Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, Tuesday morning.
At least six people were killed and over ten injured, Khalid Zadran, acting spokesman of the Taliban Kabul police wrote on Twitter, adding that security forces were on the scene and an investigation was launched into the attack. Unofficial reports indicate a higher number of casualties.
No one has immediately claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned the “heinous” attack in a tweet saying, “those responsible for the crime targeting schools and children must be brought to justice.”
United Nations envoy Deborah Lyons extended deepest sympathies to victims’ families and wished for a speedy recovery for the wounded, in the same tweet.
The blasts happened at the entrance of Abdul Rahim Shahid high school located in a Shia Hazara neighborhood of the city. Hazaras are an ethnic/religious group that has been the target of attacks in the past. Most of the previous attacks in the same neighborhood were claimed by ISIS affiliates. Tuesday’s blast was the first attack in this neighborhood after the Taliban takeover in August.
Shi’a Hazaras are historically the most discriminated ethnic minority group in Afghanistan and have long faced violence and discrimination, according to Minority Rights International. according to Minority Rights International.
Save the Children’s country director in Afghanistan, Chris Nyamandi, issued a statement condemning the attack.
“Save the Children calls for safe access to education at all times for children in Afghanistan and for perpetrators of grave violations against children to be held to account,” the statement reads.
Today’s blasts follow Pakistani military airstrikes in the eastern Afghanistan provinces of Khost and Kunar which killed 47 civilians, mainly women and children, and left many wounded.
ABC News’ Aleem Agha and Guy Davis contributed to this report.
(NEW YORK) — After a federal judge struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel mask mandate Monday, several airlines and companies moved to act.
All major airlines, including American, United, Southwest and Delta, said face coverings will now be optional for travelers.
Ride-share companies, such as Uber and Lyft, also said they will not require riders to wear masks as did Amtrak, the passenger railroad service.
Several airports across the company have also dropped their mandates and the Transportation Security Administration said it will not enforce a mask mandate on planes and other public transportation.
Here are some of the companies that have dropped mask mandates so far:
United Airlines
United was among the first airlines to announce it would be dropping its mask mandate following the ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Mizelle.
In a Twitter post, the company shared two photos of the model of the 72-foot-long Brachiosaurus skeleton at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, where United is headquartered — one with and one without a mask.
“More comfortable keeping yours on? Go right ahead … the choice is yours (you look dino-mite either way)!” the statement read.
American Airlines
Similarly on Monday night, American dropped its mask mandate for customers and team members.
The airline said customers may still choose to wear masks and thanked its staff for enforcing the mask mandate since it went into effect in January 2021.
“American Airlines has prioritized the health and safety of its team members and customers throughout the pandemic and has supported the federal government’s measures to slow the spread of COVID-19,” the statement read. “We are deeply grateful to our team members for their enforcement of the mandate, and will share more information about this transition in the coming days.”
Southwest Airlines
Southwest announced Monday it would be mask-optional going forward and welcomed those who decide to keep wearing masks.
“We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing and to check local airport mask policies when traveling,” a statement read.
The airline also said its planes have “additional layers of protection” to keep passengers and employees safe, including HEPA filters that remove 99.7% of airborne particles.
Delta Air Lines
Delta announced in a statement Monday night that masks would be optional for passengers and employees “effectively immediately.”
The airline said customers should expect “inconsistent enforcement” for the next day until the news reaches all employees.
“Given the unexpected nature of this announcement, please be aware that customers, airline employees and federal agency employees — such as TSA — may be receiving this information at different times,” the airline said.
Alaska Airlines
In a statement Monday, Alaska Airlines said it would be implementing a mask-optional policy.
“Face masks have been like boarding passes for nearly two years — you couldn’t fly without one,” a blog post on the company website read. “But, as of today, masks are optional in airports and onboard aircraft, effective immediately.”
Alaska also encouraged customers to show kindness to those who decide they still want to wear face coverings onboard planes.
“Safety is always our highest priority, so while we love to see your smiling faces in the airport and on board, we respect your decision to keep using this added layer of protection,” the blog post continued. “Above all, we hope you’ll treat each other with kindness and respect throughout the travel journey and beyond.”
JetBlue Airways
On Monday night, JetBlue Airways announced it was updating its policy to make mask-wearing optional.
“While no longer required, customers and crewmembers are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft,” a statement read.
The airline recommended that passengers and staff traveling internationally carry masks with them in case they are required at their destination.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian, the largest operator of flights to and from Hawaii, announced Monday it is dropping its mask mandate for passengers and staff.
“Effective immediately, face masks are optional for our guests and employees onboard Hawaiian Airlines flights,” a statement read. “We ask for our guests’ patience and understanding as we update all our communications and announcements to reflect this change.”
Spirit Airlines
Spirit was among the last airlines to reveal it would be dropping its mask mandate, announcing the news on Twitter shortly after midnight Tuesday.
“Face coverings are now optional for Spirit Team Members and Guests onboarded our flights following the federal court ruling and TSA guidance,” the statement read. “We understand some Guests may want to continue to wear face coverings on flights, and that’s perfectly fine under our optional policy.”
Frontier Airlines
Frontier also announced similar news early Tuesday morning, attributing a statement to Crockett the Racoon, an animal that appears on the tail of one of the company’s aircraft.
“To mask or not to mask, the choice is yours,” the statement on Twitter read. “Masks are now optional on domestic flights, however, certain airports or countries may still require masks, so check the policy at your destination prior to departure and we’ll see you in the sky.”
Allegiant Air
Ultra low-cost carrier Allegiant shared the news Tuesday afternoon on Twitter, posting a photo of one of its aircraft at Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York.
To mask or not to mask, that is your choice,” the tweet read. “Consistent with TSA guidance, all Allegiant customers and team members may wear a mask if they choose to, but are no longer required while traveling with us.”
Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country shared a statement Monday night that it would no longer require masking on planes, and thanked passengers for wearing masks in the past.
The airline also encouraged guests to be respectful of those who continue to wear face coverings.
“We look forward to seeing your smiles on board & encourage kindness & respect for those who continue to mask,” the statement read.
Uber
Uber was the first ride-share service to announce that riders and drivers would not be required to wear masks.
However, the company echoed CDC guidance to wear masks if people are at high risk of severe disease or if they live in an area with high transmission, and to be respectful of people who choose to wear masks.
“Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences,” the statement said. “And if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip.”
Uber also said it would no longer require people to sit in the back seat, but asked riders to only do so due to the size of their group.
Lyft
Riders and drivers are also no longer required to wear masks while using Lyft but warned masks may still be required by law in some areas.
Additionally, rides will not be allowed to be canceled on account of someone not wearing a mask.
“While riders and drivers can always cancel any ride they don’t wish to take, health safety reasons — like not wearing a mask — will no longer appear as cancellation options in the app,” a statement read.
The company urged people not to use the service if they have COVID-19 or are experiencing any similar symptoms.”
Amtrak
Amtrak announced on Twitter that it would no longer require passengers and employees and passengers to wear masks while aboard trains or in stations.
However, the company said it would “encourage” anyone who needs or feels that they need to wear a mask.
“Masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19,” the Twitter statement read. “Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.”
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
The Metropolitan Airport Commission originally announced Monday night masks would continue to be required after the federal ruling.
But following the TSA saying it would no longer enforce mask-wearing, the policy was changed for Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
Travelers will not be required to mask in terminal or other airport facilities or at any of the six general aviation airports.
Portland International Airport
The Oregon airport released a brief statement Monday that masks would no longer be required or enforced .
“Local TSA just advised us they will no longer be enforcing the directive that requires masking in the airport,” the statement read. “Tat means that face coverings are no longer required at PDX.
Tampa International Airport
A statement on the airport’s Twitter account announced mask mandates would be dropped for travelers and staff.
“Per TSA’s removal of its federal mask mandate, masks are now optional at Tampa International Airport, effective immediately,” the tweet read. “Passengers, employees and guests are no longer required [to] wear masks or face coverings in any of the facilities or terminals at TPA.”
